Scholarships

2026 Great Erie Scholarship Opportunities

Explore boundless opportunities for academic growth and financial support with Great Erie FCU's Scholarship Opportunities. We are committed to fostering the educational journey of promising students in our community. Through our scholarship programs, we aim to recognize outstanding achievements, empower dreams, and invest in tomorrow's leaders. Discover how to apply for scholarships that pave the way for a brighter future with Great Erie FCU.  

Banzai Life Literacy Scholarship

The Banzai Life Literacy Scholarship is designed for students passionate about learning to manage money wisely and make sound financial choices. From budgeting basics to understanding credit, the Banzai Life Literacy Scholarship aims to encourage students to become financially literate by practicing ways to navigate real-life money situations confidently. In partnership with Banzai, this scholarship promotes financial literacy and independence for students ready to master money management. 

About Banzi

Banzai is an online financial education program that teaches students to navigate adult financial dilemmas with real-life scenarios. Banzai's free personal financial courses allow students to make mistakes, learn, and succeed from the safety of their classroom.

Eligible Recipients - High school juniors and seniors who meet the following terms:

• Residents of the United States who are at least 16 years of age.
• Applicants must plan to enroll full or part-time at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational/technical school in the United States by the 2030-2031 academic year.
• Applicants must have played through at least two Banzai games and submit proof. To play through two Banzai games, teachers will need to create a free account on Banzai.org. In their application, they’ll submit their name/username and their teacher’s email.

If you or your teacher has any questions about signing up for Banzai, please email [email protected]. 

Essay Prompt

Applicants must write an original essay of 350-500 words on why financial literacy is important or how they plan to use what they've learned about financial literacy in the future. 

Scholarship Amount: Two (2) scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Scholarship Application Link Here: Banzai Life Literacy Scholarship | TUN

Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication Scholarship

The $500 Scholarship Award is named after Don Bruning, a retired Orchard Park High School math teacher who selflessly dedicated 52 years of volunteer service within our credit union. Don contributed his expertise as an educator and served admirably on the volunteer Board of Directors. This scholarship is a testament to Don's unwavering commitment and embodies the values of dedication, volunteerism, and education. 

How to Apply

Complete application instructions are available here at the Don Bruning Legacy of Dedication Scholarship.

Applications close on February 28, 2026. They will be judged in early spring, and the lucky winner will be announced in April. 

Great Erie FCU/New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) Scholarship Program

At Great Erie FCU, we believe in the power of education and the potential of our young members. Our scholarship program is designed to empower and support the dreams and aspirations of these talented students. By applying for our scholarship, you invest in your future and gain financial assistance to achieve your educational goals. NYCUA awarded $28,500 in college scholarships, ranging from $250 to $1,500, to 57 students.

Join us in shaping a brighter tomorrow - apply for the Great Erie Credit Union scholarship and unlock the opportunities ahead!

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be:

• Members of Great Erie FCU
• College-bound high school seniors at the time of application
• Planning to attend a two-or four-year accredited educational institution, vocational, or trade school for the first time in the fall of 2026.

How to Apply

The Great Erie/NYCUA Scholarship deadline for 2026 High School Graduating Seniors is January 9, 2026.

Read the Memo to Applicants

Download the Application: If you're not a member of Great Erie FCU, don't worry! You can also request a membership packet. A credit union verification code will be needed to verify eligibility, so be sure to contact the credit union directly. 

Complete the Application: Fill out the application form, write the required essay, and gather the necessary transcripts. Don't forget to obtain a signature from a parent or guardian. 

Submit Your Application: Upload and submit your completed application and the supporting materials online via the NYCUA Scholarship Portal no later than January 9, 2026. 

Applications will be judged against other submissions statewide in early spring. The lucky winners will be announced in May. 

If you need additional information or have specific questions about this scholarship program, don't hesitate to contact David Even by calling (716)662-1311, ext. 133, or emailing [email protected]. 

Charlotte Ash Community Leader Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to an Orchard Park High School graduating senior in good academic standing. It is named in honor of Charlotte Ash, one of our founding members of the credit union. It recognizes a student with strong leadership abilities and commitment to the community.

Orchard Park High School students can apply through the OPHS Universal Scholarship Application, which is available through the high school guidance department. The scholarship is released in the spring of each year.

Students interested in applying for the Charlotte Ash Community Leader Scholarship MUST:

• Be a member of Great Erie Federal Credit Union
• Be an enrolled high school senior at Orchard Park High School

Applications will be reviewed and awarded in May 2026.

Great Erie Federal Credit Union is a full-service credit union serving the Buffalo and Erie County area, including Hamburg, West Seneca, Orchard Park, and East Aurora, New York.